Huntelaar keeps Schalke guessing

Jaan Klaus Hunteraar's future at Schalke remains unclear as the Dtuch striker continues to hold out on penning a new deal with the German club.

Huntelaar's current deal at the Bundesliga club expires next summer and with Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus circling, the Dutchman has been reluctant to sign a new deal at Schalke, saying he wants time to see which direction the club is going before committing himself.

"Obviously it is a controversial topic and is looking to stay like that for quite a while," Stevens said on Thursday.

"When are talking about Klaas-Jan, we are not talking about any money issues or something in his contract.

"He wants to see how the club is developing. We all do.

"For the moment I do not see an end of the discussion but I am positive that we can figure something out with him.

"(But) I cannot promise anything.

"It takes time. We have all the calm we need, just like with Jefferson Farfan. And as you know - he stayed."

Stevens said he was pleased with the dedication shown by Huntelaar's compatriot Ibrahim Afellay as he attempts to fit into the side.

The attacking midfielder, who made his debut as a substitute in the win over Augsburg, is on a season-long loan from Barcelona.